► What does it really mean to lead without losing yourself? 

In this episode, Kevin Pannell – Navy veteran, emergency responder, and healthcare IT leader – takes us from the intensive care units of a hospital ship to high-pressure project rooms in healthcare. Drawing on his military training and years in emergency management, we discuss how triage principles, clear objectives, and decisive communication can transform both crisis response and project delivery.

We explore his Stability Equation framework built on 7 life pillars: ownership,  mindfulness, movement, boundaries, connection, sleep, and faith; and how they anchor leaders facing chaos, burnout, or overwhelming responsibility. Kevin shares personal stories of setbacks, resilience, and practical tools like breathing techniques, jiu-jitsu, and redefining what “done” really means.

This conversation is about more than leadership: it’s about finding clarity, balance, and strength when everything around you is uncertain. 

► Our guest

Kevin Pannell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pannellkg/  

Healthcare IT Leader, Navy Veteran, and the author of The Stability Equation: 7 Pillars for a More Balanced Life, and host of the People, Process, and Progress podcast. 

👉 https://linktr.ee/peopleprocessprogress 

► In today’s episode:

• How Kevin’s previous experience in the U.S. Navy helps him navigate complex IT and healthcare projects 
• How to find the right balance in leadership and life
• The 7 pillars for successful projects and life, and how to incorporate them 
• Approaching challenges and project roadblocks
• Practical advice on moving forward when you feel stuck or overwhelmed

► Decoding the timeline:

00:00:00 - Leveraging Lessons in Leadership from The U.S. Navy to Project Management

00:04:20 - The Ladder to Building Experience and Expertise  

00:07:03 - The Comparison Between IT Projects and Military Structures

00:10:01 - Finding Stability Through Hard Times and an Approach to Find Balance in Life

00:13:04 - The 7 Pillars for Successful Projects

00:19:48 - Communication Challenges in Projects and Standardization Tips

00:28:49 - Incorporating The 7 Pillars for Balanced Life in Practice

00:32:15 - Owning Mind, Body, and Spirit Philosophy in Leadership 

00:35:52 - Picking Your Own Tool Set for Handling Stress 

00:40:40 - The Impact of The Movement and Exercises on Your Mind  

00:42:57 - How to Apply The Life Pillars Principles for High-Stress Roles

00:48:30 - The Direct Link Between The Pillars for Life and Projects

00:51:16 - How to Balance Projects, Deliverables, and Team Wellbeing Without Cutting Corners

00:53:50 - The First Steps to Start Moving Forward

► Materials and information mentioned in the episode: 

• Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
• Guided Wim Hof Method Breathing
• Why Simon Sinek (still) wants you to find your why | Masters of Scale 

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The Dev is in the Details is a podcast where we talk about technology, business and their impacts on the world around us.

Do you want to recommend a guest or discuss with us further?

Connect with Lukas on LinkedIn or write to us at podcast@llinformatics.com.